Catherine has a particular interest in rabbit medicine and surgery, as she is the keen owner of two lovely house rabbits herself.  The following is some basic information about rabbits, but any other questions you may have can be directed towards Catherine who is always happy to help!



General Health
 
Rabbits have a special digestion system. It is essential that their digestive system works continuously. Regular production of faecal pellets is the best way to monitor your rabbit’s intestinal health. Should your rabbit not eat and/or pass faecal pellets for 24 hours, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.
 
In addition to the normal faecal pellets, rabbits pass soft faeces called caecotrophs. These caecotrophs should not be removed from your rabbit’s cage. Rabbits eat the caecotrophs and they contain essential components for digestive health.

Diet
 
The right diet is essential to keep your rabbit as healthy as possible.
An ideal diet includes:  

1. Ad lib good quality hay. This should be the main part of the diet.
2. A small amount of concentrate food - a complete pellet-based food is best as it doesn't allow your bunny to pick and choose favourite bits.
3. Dark green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, greens, spinach, and celery. A portion the size of your rabbits head should be fed twice daily.
4. Other vegetables such as carrots and fruit should only be fed occasionally as a treat.

 
Teeth
 
Rabbits have 28 teeth.
Unlike people, rabbit's teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Often growth is very fast—up to 3mm a week!
Because of this fast growth rate, rabbits commonly have problems with their teeth.
Feeding the correct diet is very important for your rabbit's dental health.
Even when the diet is correct, some rabbits can still have teeth problems. It is therefore important to have your bunny's teeth checked by a vet every
 6-12 months.
Vaccinations
 
1. Myxomatosis
 
Myxomatosis is a viral disease spread to rabbits by biting insects. Both indoor and outdoor rabbits can have contact with insects and therefore all rabbits are at risk from this disease.
 
Signs include swelling of head, eyes, ears and genitalia. There is no specific treatment for infected rabbits making vaccination the best method of protecting your pet.
 
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease
 
Another viral disease brought to UK in 1992. Disease is spread by birds, in the air and on objects such as vegetables. All rabbits are therefore susceptible to infection.
 
The disease often causes sudden death but nervous signs can be seen before death. No treatment is available so vaccination is essential for control.
Parasites
 
Fly Strike
 
In the warmer months, flies can be attracted to rabbits laying their eggs around the tail region. Maggots then hatch burrowing under the rabbit's skin causing pain and severe infection. Spot-on preventative treatment is available from the surgery to prevent this happening and should be applied regularly throughout the summer.

Neutering
Does 
Uterine tumours are the most common tumour of rabbits. Dutch rabbits are the most susceptible breed but any female can be affected. Spaying does at 6 months old is the best way to eliminate this problem for your rabbit. It will also prevent unwanted pregnancies and aggressive behaviour that is sometimes encountered with nesting and false-pregnancies.
 
Bucks
Castration is important to prevent testicular tumours. It can also help to prevent unwanted territorial behaviour such as spraying.
 
 
Rabbits are social creatures and should be kept in pairs or groups whenever possible. The best combination for companionship is a neutered female alongside a neutered male.